Royal-loved label launches collection after winning over Princess Kate | Royal | News
Penelope Chilvers has become something of a secret weapon in the royal wardrobe – and now you can shop far more than the boots and wedges that first made the British label famous. After launching clothing for the first time last season, the brand has quickly expanded its ready-to-wear collection, with Duchess Sophie already giving its shirts and skirts the royal seal of approval this summer.
And if her wardrobe has tempted you, the timing couldn’t be better. Earlier this month, the label dropped its final summer collection, packed with beautiful dresses and blouses that can be worn now while the sunshine lasts, but will easily carry you into autumn. Plus, they’re timeless enough to pull out year after year.
It’s exactly the philosophy that has made the label a go-to of Princess Catherine, Zara Tindall and the Duchess of Edinburgh – and, as founder Penelope Chilvers exclusively told the Daily Express, chasing trends has never been part of the plan.
She said: “I feel very proud that Princess Catherine, Zara Tindall, Duchess Sophie, and now Harriet have all chosen to wear our designs over the years. I’m also delighted that the Royal Family continue to support British industry because I think that’s something really special.
“They fly the flag for British brands incredibly well, and that’s something I really admire.”
Despite that impressive royal following, Penelope revealed she doesn’t have the women of the House of Windsor in mind when sitting down to create a collection.
Instead, the designer’s focus remains on producing pieces with a much broader appeal – something particularly evident in the brand’s growing clothing line.
She explained: “When I’m designing new collections, I don’t really think about designing specifically for the Royal Family. I simply focus on creating pieces that women will genuinely love to wear.
“I think they choose us because of all the brand pillars I’ve talked about already. We believe in longevity, craftsmanship, authenticity and making products that people will come back to year after year.”
It is an approach that makes particular sense as the label ventures further into ready-to-wear. Rather than filling wardrobes with pieces tied to a single fleeting season, its latest offering leans heavily into easy silhouettes and designs meant to be pulled out again next summer.
That philosophy has long been part of Penelope Chilvers DNA.
Princess Catherine is perhaps the ultimate example. While she has only worn the label’s footwear, her relationship with the brand stretches back years, with her much-loved Long Tassel Boots becoming one of the most recognisable pairs in her wardrobe.
For Penelope, that ability to work across different wardrobes and personal aesthetics comes down to resisting the temptation to follow every new fashion craze.
She continued: “I think our designs resonate with women who all have very different personal styles because they are timeless. They’re made to last, they’re comfortable, and they’re authentic. We never chase trends, and I think that’s why women continue to wear our products for such a long time.”
With its final summer drop now available, shoppers can find the newest Penelope Chilvers dresses and blouses below
